Oil Expansion

New oil-gear companies come to Montana amid boom

   GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) -- Montana counties are increasingly seeing new oil
equipment companies lay down roots as they seek to supply projects, including
those in the Alberta tar sands north of the Canadian border.
   The Great Falls Tribune reports economic development officials are recruiting
businesses that supply energy-producing operations, not just the energy
producers themselves.
   For instance, Quebec-based ADF Group announced plans for a 100,000-square-foot
facility near Great Falls.
   It aims to make oil-production modules and target customers in the Alberta oil sands.
   Brett Doney, president of the Great Falls Development Authority, says his region's
proximity to the massive Canadian development gives it a competitive advantage over
other areas.
   Central Canada's workforce is limited, he said, and there are potential tax advantages
to companies basing their operations in the United States.
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   Information from: Great Falls Tribune
   AP-WF-12-09-12 2009GMT